J.Crew Collection: Prices Are High!

J.Crew's Collection items are reaching new heights when it comes to prices. {wow!} The following are some of their pricier items:

1. Printed calf-hair Astor jacket (Item 96558, $2,200.00)
2. Tortoise sequin jacket (Item 93285; $3,000.00)
3. Leopard-beaded cardigan (Item 96123; $2,800.00)
4. Leopard-beaded dress (Item 96082; $3,500.00)
5. Python Jamie bag (Item 98959; $3,000.00)

To be honest, I am having a difficult time adjusting to these new price points. Every time I see a new item being offered by J.Crew that is over $1,000, I look twice to try to understand why it costs that much. I am sure as J.Crew builds their Collection line over time, I will be more accustomed to those prices. However, for now I am still startled to see them. :)

I am also curious to find out how well J.Crew's Collection has been doing so far. Especially since I am not sure when the new J. Crew Collection store (on Madison Avenue and 79th Street in NYC) is going to open. [The store was suppose to open this spring (click here), then summer (click here), and now sometime in fall (click here).]

What do you think of J.Crew's Collection pieces? Would you consider purchasing the Collection items over the regular line? Do you happen to own any of the Collection pieces (that cost more than $1,000)? If so, please let us know what you think :) Also, do you think the creation of the J.Crew Collection line was a good extension of the J.Crew name?